Pest categorisation of .

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to conduct a pest categorisation of Maskell (Hemiptera: Coccidae), following the commodity risk assessments of plants grafted on and bonsai plants grafted on from China, in which was identified as a pest of possible concern to the European Union (EU). The pest, which is commonly known as the pink, red or ruby wax scale, originates in Africa and is highly polyphagous attacking plants from more than 193 genera in 84 families. It has been present in Germany since 2010 in a single tropical glasshouse. It is known to attack primarily tropical and subtropical plants, but also other host plants commonly found in the EU, such as , spp., spp. and ornamentals. It is considered an important pest of spp. The pink wax scale reproduces mainly parthenogenetically, and it has one or two generations per year. Fecundity ranges from 5 to 1178 eggs. Crawlers settle usually on young twigs and later stages are sessile. All life stages of egest honeydew on which sooty mould grows. Host availability and climate suitability suggest that parts of the EU would be suitable for establishment. Plants for planting and cut branches provide the main pathways for entry. Crawlers could spread over short distances naturally through wind, animals, humans or machinery. could be dispersed more rapidly and over long distances via infested plants for planting for trade. The introduction of into the EU could lead to outbreaks causing damage to orchards, amenity ornamental trees and shrubs. Phytosanitary measures are available to inhibit the entry and spread of this species. satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.